Splash Guards

probably very expensive poor quality dealer options.

I'd pass

the specific product asside, mud flaps help a huge amount. we live on a dirt road and I'll put some on someday, I was waiting for the accessory market to catch up. we put the dealer ones on the jetta and they were great, never had an issue. I've got dealer ones on my pickup and they've been great also.

unless they are very large, you'll still get some mud but it will be a much smaller % even with the ones pictured.

KurtA said:

View attachment 1166
We are a Two-Taos family. The cars are identical, except in color... and my wife's didn't come with splash guards.
I drive more often, but her car always has more dirt on the rear bumper. Can these things be really that effective?

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Our Taos is black pearl and was quick to accumulate dirt after a wash. I installed the splash guards myself, and found that the car stays cleaner, especially along the sides, so I would say they are reasonably effective.
The splash guards seem a bit expensive for what they are, but they fit perfectly and are not difficult to install yourself.

Splash guards are deceptively effective even though small.
1. The body fairings curve under the car and the splash guards don’t, creating a “wall” that diverts most of water away from the car sides

2. They extend lower by a few inches which dramatically changes the attack angle of the water. Less sticks and more falls off or flies by.

The R-line Tiguans and Atlas don’t take splash guards because their body work does nearly the same thing. But not quite as well.

We have them and they work great. Keeps junk from getting on our bikes on the back of the car too.

patrick3692 said:

Our Taos is black pearl and was quick to accumulate dirt after a wash. I installed the splash guards myself, and found that the car stays cleaner, especially along the sides, so I would say they are reasonably effective.
The splash guards seem a bit expensive for what they are, but they fit perfectly and are not difficult to install yourself.

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Hi, I am considering have the splash guard installed by myself. Can you give some detailed self-installation info? Thanks.

Pretty simple for the VW parts... jack up a wheel and remove lugs, remove wheel... remove body rivets indicated in instruction sheet... hang guard with one rivet, drill out holes indicated on instruction sheet (2 sizes, I believe)... remove guard, install body nuts as indicated... install all plastic rivets and screws as indicated... install wheel... repeat at other 3 wheels.

Custodian said:

Pretty simple for the VW parts... jack up a wheel and remove lugs, remove wheel... remove body rivets indicated in instruction sheet... hang guard with one rivet, drill out holes indicated on instruction sheet (2 sizes, I believe)... remove guard, install body nuts as indicated... install all plastic rivets and screws as indicated... install wheel... repeat at other 3 wheels.

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This is not simple for me. I assume I can just screw the guard without removing the wheel or drilling.

Did you ask the dealer how much they charge for installation? My dealer installed them for free.

$60 for installation.

winter_user said:

$60 for installation.

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Go that route.

You would think VW could plan in advance for the guards and it would just be a screw on affair (remove screws, place guard over holes, reattach screws).

but it never is that easy on any VW. Always best to do it on a lift by a professional.

My dealer wanted $175 to install!!

There are two different aftermarket versions on Amazon that say no wheel removal required. I might try one of those. One has decent reiviews but says too thin and flexible. The other has no reviews.

Would you describe the OEM as thin or flxible? Or rigid?

Don't buy this one, as it does not fit properly on the back wheels.

THANKS! That was one in my cart!

BobU said:

Would you describe the OEM as thin or flxible? Or rigid?

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Not at all thin... very rigid... and solid in mounting points... check the list of accessories eligible for rebate this quarter... the install is simple.

Thanks. But I would not remove my own wheels. Not the proper tools or place to do it.

I may try the other set at amazon:

Got mine from Amazon. Look good and are sturdy. BUT they have three holes per and there are only two screws in each of the wheel wells and they say there is no drilling needed. Could not be more confused. The missing location is bottom inside on both front and back.

Emailed the vendor. Let’s see what they say.

I had a set of Rok Blokz on my Crosstrek. They don’t make them yet for the Taos. I think I’m going to try Rally Amour.

Rally Armour??
I sent my Amazon ones back. Indeed had to dril land did not like the fit.